Day: March 28, 2026

MARCH 24, 2026 ~ GREATER CAPE ANN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ~ 

Built by Fishermen, Named by Artists, Loved by All

Join us for Motif No. 1 Day as we celebrate Rockport’s unique identity as both a historic fishing village and a vibrant artist destination. Centered around the iconic red fishing shack—long a favorite subject for painters and photographers—this beloved annual event brings together the very spirit of Rockport: coastal beauty, creative energy, and community pride.

Stroll through town as artists set up along the harbor capturing Motif No. 1 and Rockport’s stunning waterfront in real time. Enjoy live music, street performances, family-friendly art activities, and pop-up experiences that unfold throughout the day. From Dock Square to Bearskin Neck and beyond, there’s always something happening just around the corner.

Explore galleries, discover local shops, and experience the charm that has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life, enjoying a performance, or simply taking in the view, Motif No. 1 Day invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with what makes Rockport so special.

MARCH 27, 2026 ~ BACKYARDGROWERSGLOUCESTER ~ EDIT

 UPCOMING CONTAINER GARDENING WORKSHOPS  These workshops cover key considerations and benefits, container sizing, container-friendly plant and seed varieties, soil health and care & more. 

Choose a date:

 Saturday 4/11 9:30-11am at Backyard Growers HQ OR Thursday 5/14 5:30-7pm at Cape Ann Lanes

 FREE for Backyard Growers Program Gardeners. $20 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work creating equitable access to the resources, space & knowledge people need to grow their own food in our community.

Reserve your spot

Interested in a container garden with Backyard Growers? Learn more about our GrowBag Garden Program, which provides income-eligible household with three containers, container-friendly seeds and seedlings, organic soil, and more.

We drove over the bridge to Salem recently to visit the Peabody Essex Museum on a rainy day. Naturally, we were looking for lunch and libations afterward. We walked a very short distance to the Village Tavern on Essex Street. Our first impression upon walking in was to be reminded of the pubs we visited in Ireland. Several rooms, eclectic wall decor, large bar area all took us back to Ireland. Jim had pretzel bites and we ordered a pizza (delicious). I am always drawn to old newspapers and there was a front page from 1914 in a Salem newspaper describing some of the aftermath of what came to be known as the Great Salem Fire of 1914. It destroyed hundreds of buildings and left 18,000 people homeless over a 2 day period in late June. One of the articles on the front page described a commission being set up to assist residents and business owners with recovery and John B. Tivnan was named to head that effort. Low and behold, John B. Tivnan is on my family tree on the Gloucester side! I just happened to see this wall hanging, took a closer look and found a Gloucester tie. More to come on the Tivnan family connections. What a day! And the food was just right. If you’re over that way, check it out.